Help Desk Technician: The First Step on Your IT Career Path

A help desk technician is responsible for providing technical support to users in an organization. Listen carefully when users describe their issues and ask questions when necessary. Plus, you need to be able to explain complex technical jargon in simple terms when offering customer support to non-technical users. In the US, help desk technicians earn a base salary of $48,310 and $2,555 in additional pay per year on average 3. Factors that can influence your salary in this role include experience, education level, industry, location, and company.

This blog explores How to Become a Helpdesk Technician, covering education, certifications, experience, and job application tips. Learn the essential steps to start your career and develop the skills needed for success in this role. Once you have the education, certifications, and experience, start applying for Helpdesk positions. Customise your resume to highlight your technical skills and relevant experience. Prepare for interviews by practising responses to common Helpdesk scenarios and demonstrating your problem-solving abilities. A Helpdesk Technician is an IT professional who provides technical support to End-Users within an organisation.

You can also gain hands-on experience with commonly used systems such as Linux, Domain Name Systems, and Command-Line Interface. A help desk support specialist is responsible for responding to requests for technical support, either by phone, email, chat, or in person. They diagnose the problem, troubleshoot the issue, and provide a solution or escalate it to a higher level if needed. They also document the cases, follow up with the customers, and update the knowledge base with common issues and solutions. A help desk support specialist may work for a specific organization, a third-party service provider, or a remote platform. They use their technical knowledge of hardware and software to troubleshoot users’ problems.

Many IT professionals who are looking to begin their career start out in a help desk technician role. This is because it has lower experience and education requirements, making the barrier to enter this field more manageable. When drafting your resume, remember that employers sometimes use applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems use filters to identify specific keywords, making it easier to process applications quickly.

Technical Support

Thankfully, some resources and training can help you get those certifications, and I recommend taking advantage of an opportunity like this. Get the Helpdesk PDF now and learn how to optimize workflows and improve customer satisfaction. By selecting “Submit,” I authorize Rasmussen University to contact me by email, phone or text message at the number provided. There is no obligation to enroll.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Help Desk Technician Job Outlook

If you enjoy working with people and technology, a help desk job could be a great fit for you. A help desk technician utilizes their IT knowledge and expertise in hardware and software to troubleshoot any problems users may encounter while using their computers. Aside from technical expertise, computer support specialists need to have quality soft skills and a patient attitude that can deal with all customer inquiries, no matter how small.

• Someone in a help desk support role, on the other hand, is likely to help users resolve more straightforward matters, such as a forgotten password.
• However, you’ll need certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network+ to be eligible for the role in almost any company.
• When pursuing a career as a Help Desk Technician, certain skills and qualities are crucial for achieving success in this role.
• While a help desk technician job offers a lucrative and steady paycheck, the competition surrounding it will only increase as the years go by.
• Your resume is more likely to be seen if the language describing your skills matches the keywords employers use.

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Help Desk Support

“I credit my previous managers and co-workers for helping me build my skills in order to get where I never thought possible,” Osman says. Start your journey today and unlock a world of opportunities in the ever-evolving IT industry. Technicians with certifications such as CompTIA A+ or ITIL often earn higher wages. In summary, starting as a Help Desk Technician offers many avenues for growth. To become a help desk technician, you will typically need to have a high school diploma or GED. Working in a help desk environment can be challenging, especially when dealing with irate or upset users.

Help Desk Technician: Technical Knowledge Essentials

• The candidate will have a passion for technology and enjoy helping others solve technical problems.
• These programs will equip you with the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to excel in this role.
• B) Troubleshooting and resolving technical problems in person, over the phone, or via remote access tools.

To be successful in this role, you need to have a good understanding of different operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as common software programs used in work environments. To stay competitive as a help desk technician, it is important to stay updated on industry trends and developments in technology. To become a successful help desk technician, it is crucial to obtain the necessary education and training in the field.

The Meta Career Programs Job Board is another reputable resource run by a technology industry leader. You will troubleshoot hardware and software issues, assisting users with everyday problems. Many IT pros begin their career as help desk technicians because of the low experience and education requirements. Then, as they’re exposed to new disciplines and technologies, they discover their niche and branch out into other IT careers, such as network administrator, DBA, or IT security specialist. Other technicians will remain at the help desk and leverage their experience to become a manager.

Here are four ways working as a help desk technician can help prepare you for the IT career of your dreams. Several factors beyond the work environment might influence what kind of entry-level help desk job you want. For example, some job platforms include employee reviews that can give you an idea of what it’s like to work for a given company. Think about the aspects of a career that are important to you and make sure the company you’re applying to aligns with your goals.

Lastly, as alluded to earlier, a help desk technician also needs to have personable communication skills and the required technical skills. While a formal education, especially a degree in Computer Science or any tech-related field, may increase your chances, a college degree isn’t required to become a help desk technician. Hardware and software change, but your ability to communicate effectively and think critically does not. Help desk work is an excellent place to refine the soft skills that will serve you well as you progress in your career. That’s why we connected with IT professionals to find out just how valuable this experience is.

This certification validates your foundational knowledge of computer hardware and software. These certifications not only validate your skills and knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment how do i become a help desk to professional growth and development in the field. Look for opportunities to work with experienced professionals who can mentor you and provide valuable insights into the industry. One of the first steps to becoming a help desk technician is to enroll in a relevant degree program or certification course. Becoming a help desk technician can be a rewarding career choice due to the high demand for skilled professionals in the IT industry.

However, you’ll need certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network+ to be eligible for the role in almost any company. In contrast, someone who is technically proficient but without experience in customer service should focus on building their communication skills. You can work on both simultaneously with a foundational online course like Google’s Technical Support Fundamentals.